Art collection

The founder of the Roma art collection at the Romano Kher Budapest Roma Cultural Center's predecessor institution was the Gypsy Social and Cultural Methodological Center (CSZMMK), later renamed the City of Budapest Gypsy House-Romano Kher. The director of the institution (1987-2009) was Jenő Zsigó and his colleagues considered it important to support Roma artists, promote their talent, and popularize their art. The collection consists of nearly 2500 works (paintings, graphics, sculptures) by 101 artists. The representation of Roma art in the visual arts began in the 1960s, with Balázs János being the first painter to make his mark, followed by several generations of artists. 

The collection grows through purchases, donations, and artworks created in artists' retreats, with the collection effort extending across the entire territory of Hungary. Currently, the collection includes 2,528 works (paintings, graphics, sculptures) from 100 artists. 

We are truly proud that our collection is regarded by the profession as the most famous Roma collection in Europe. Selecting from the collection's materials, the album titled 'Gypsy Painting in Hungary 1969-2009' was published in 2009. A quote from the preface of the album: "In this album, the creators of Gypsy painting convince us that the sun always shines. We also believe them when they say that a person can remain human even in times of peril. This kind of belief is the first step towards action."

Visitors can view continuously changing temporary exhibitions from the Collection's materials at the Institution's Király Street location.

The collection's artworks are also available for borrowing. For inquiries, please contact us at info@romanokher.hu or call +36705040333.